OAK HILL, W.Va. -- The state Department of Environmental Protection has recognized Fayette County's schools and its Board of Education for their efforts to maintain a healthy environment for their students.

Officials from the agency's Division of Air Quality presented board officials with a check for more than $189,000 to help buy four new school buses that meet federal emission standards. The purchase will allow the district to retire four older, less-efficient buses ahead of schedule.

The DEP allotted funding to Fayette County through the EPA's Diesel Emission Reduction Act. The program is part of the EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign, which supports projects aimed at reducing diesel exhaust. Fayette County provided matching funds for the project.